ECU warnings and ODB 2 cables

[jamesyb]

I've been having the engine management light come up on my 2001 Fronty B DTi for a couple of months now and, whilst it is annoying, it goes away after a while. However, I'd like to find out what is causing it and there lies the question...

Is it worth going for something like a handheld reader (fleabay listed for about 40 notes for a basic one), or using laptop and software with just the EODB/ODB2 cable? I have the Vx COSIDS software somewhere that I can sling on a laptop and I seem to remember a section in there about Tech 2, but does anyone here use this to diagnose the generic engine light?

Also if the latter is the way to go, should I go for fancy software that allows me to do more stuff like ECU remapping, or have I just watched The Fast & The Furious too many times?

Cheers,

James

p.s. is feabay the best place to get the cable, or is there a better place?

[ukcobra]

I do not think the Frontera has the capability to be re-tuned . I've been to a few performance outfits that re-map ECUs as their business, and it requires skill, training and experience to do it successfully. Typically it involves flashing a new chip and replacing the one you have currently, this way you can go back to a factory setup really quickly and cheaply, should you need to.

Mark

[jamesyb]

Righto, that's that out of the window then. Not a problem.

What about reading the ECU codes though? Have you got any recommendations on whether the COSIDS program can read them just using a cable, or whether I should get a handheld reader?

[nigelbread]

Hi read this post -

viewtopic.php?f=20&t=21489

the reader I have reads with engine both ignition on and/or running and works well.

[jamesyb]

Excellent! I guess now the only thing I need to find out now is whether or not my 2.2 DTi is ODB2 compliant or not...

Any takers? (W plate if that helps)

[bobbinsjob]

yes it is